Abstract
By increasing the strength of concrete members, it is possible to prolong the life of buildings. However, CO2 emission rate tends to increase because the increased strength may lead to increased cement consumption. In this report, followings are discussed. (1) Estimation for the prolongment of the life of concrete members, as protective concrete cover length and design strength of concrete changed. (2) The influence of these factors on the carbon dioxide emission rate in the life cycle.
The results showed as followings.
(1) From the viewpoint of prolonging the life of buildings, increasing the covering depth was more effective than increasing the design strength.
(2) If the design strength is increased, the life cycle CO2 emission ratewill be reduced.
(3) On the premise that the buildings will be used for the long period of 100 years, the most effective measure for reducing life cycle CO2 emission rate is to change the concrete materials from Ordinary Portland Cement to Blast-furnace Slag Cement or Fly-ash Cement, rather than to increase the design strength, if effective protective concrete cover length is secured.
